Whether you are attending a wedding held at a magnificent city rooftop, restored farm, modern museum, renowned country club, or stylish winery - the venue does not always determine the dress code. Although venue does play a role in the overall design process, the dress code may be based on the bride and groom's personality, taste, and style.  

Once the bride and groom have shared the dress code, you may still be left uncertain about how to dress so that you feel appropriate, comfortable, and ready to dance the night away. We asked Molly Guy, Creative Director + Co-Founder of Stone Fox Bride about her take on black tie:

"I always think for a black tie wedding it's the right time to bust out a proper black dress. This is not the time for flats, floral and flowy. This is the time for old school glamour. Clean and classic. A nude lip, smoky eye and black stilettos... or a red lip, nude eye and classic diamond studs or a mother of pearl bracelet. Sleek, chic and understated to the max. This is a rare occasion to rock a time honored traditional look".

We've chosen dresses that celebrate classic glamour, in both black and a variety of black-tie-wedding-approved hues. Whether you choose one of the longer or shorter length dresses below,  it's all about the right fabric and silhouette.

Story + Rain Fashion Editor Alanna Joy Simon, a newlywed herself,  believes that when the dress code calls for black tie, guests should embrace the opportunity to have fun dressing up and looking their very best.  If you choose the right dress like the styles below you'll find yourself with a timeless frock you can wear over and over and again, and for a variety of formal occasions.

*Black Tie is the first article in our Wedding Dress Codes series.